Hello - I was banded a year and 3 months ago. I have lost all but 20 lbs. I have been eating more and gaining weight again. I'm going in for a fill but I want to tone my body up not just be thin, I want to be healthy. How do I start? I got a gym membership. What are the machines I should be using. I asked for a trainer and its just not in my budget so maybe you guys can help?

Any ideas?

I started the gym in December, out of shape, and old. (62). I do the recumbent bike. I started at about 5 minutes and built that up to 20-30 minutes. I also so some upper body machines that hopefully help with my bad back. My husband use to go to the gym with a body builder so he knew the machines. Does your gym have classes? I have not done any yet. My gym membership came with one trainer session, but I haven't use it yet. Afraid, I guess you can say.

Good luck with trying the gym. Go slow and build it up.

Well. According to me you should take concentrate to your diet to gain weight again. I think you should eat more fat and carbs. But don't forget to take exercise. It's most important to tone your body.

Try some of the classes if your gym offers them. There are many different types so try them all. You'll find the instructors very helpful and your classmates very supportive. My personal favorite is spin class because I can work at my own pace and only I know if I turned the knob.

keep in mind that once you start working out, your body will change even if the numbers don't. Maybe take measurements now and measure monthly. I do that, and it helps keep me on track (and not freak out about pounds). Muscle weighs more!! Also, I'm a total gym rat, but I found that to push through a plateau takes getting outside for walking or hiking. I lose weight much more quickly than on an elliptical. Weirdness. Good luck !!